Amulya D • India • 18
In the year 2016, it was on Diwali morning; Diwali is a traditional Indian festival that is often called the “festival of lights.” I was changing my clothes after having showered, and I felt something wrong with my stomach, it was an uneasy feeling, and then I noticed blood. I had no idea how to deal with this situation. I faintly recalled my aunts telling me about periods, so I was aware of it, but I ended up freaking out when it actually happened to me.
I couldn't remember what they told me to do when that moment was actually here. So, I called out for my dad to help me, and as I was freaking out, my father also got worried and called one of his sisters to find out what he could do. He listened to the instructions my aunt gave him and later taught me how to use a sanitary pad.
Being a single parent he made sure that I was comfortable in having these conversations with him . My father made it easy for me to have conversations regarding periods or any related matters with him. I was grateful that my dad didn't let me feel awkward or weird about have the period talk with him. Where everyone frowns upon mentions of menstruation before 'a man', as if it were some sort of sin, I am really glad that my father made it so that i was able to be open about it, and talk about menstruation without feeling ashamed.
